Hello again as always. Guess I should start off be saying sorry this toke so long. Between work, being lazy, Tales of Xilia being released, and the Final Fantasy XIV Beta, I have just not given the time to writing. not to mention I kept getting sidetracked while writing, the first 2/3 of this chapter was written like 200 words at a time.

But as they say, Excuses, excuses. on to more important things.

Like HOLY CRAP! I hoped Graham would go over well but dang people! Your awesome! Thank you so much for all the reviews and i'm glad you all are enjoying it. despite taking so long those reviews were still really helpful and motivating. (And made me feel guilting for taking so long lol) So something I wanted to clarify. as i have said before this story isn't going to be all that long, four more chapters at most probably. But I will say this, While i'm not writing it so it will have a sequel, I'm writing in a way so that I will be able to give it one if i want. In others words i will probably come back and continue the "timeline" if you will. Thats the kind of person I am, I'd rather create a big long continuity rather then a bunch of "what if" style stories, not that either way is wrong, it's personal preference. But enough of that.

Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam.

So here it finally is, Chapter three of Gundam 00: Alter!

Gundam 00

Alter

Chapter Three

Mystify

Definition of Mystify: To perplex the mind

Setsuna opened his eyes to the sun peeking in though his window. He looked at his clock and found it was Seven ten in the morning. His first class wasn't until nine so he had time. He found that while he never used an alarm clock he was never late. True to his usual morning exercise he sat up and opened his mind. He felt around, first finding the other meisters then checking the others. Lyle and Marie were downstairs, although Allelujah was absent. Tieria was in his room, at the computer from what Setsuna could tell. He found stronger reactions were easier to pinpoint. Next he noticed two familiar reactions, causing him stand up and dress in a simple dark blue shirt and jeans before walking out the door. He headed downstairs and walked into the diner to find Ian and Linda sitting at the counter.

Lyle was the first to notice him. "Good morning Setsuna." The meister greeted. The greeting caused the two mechanics to look his way.

"Hey Setsuna." Ian greeted him. "Bet you can't wait for the delivery to arrive in a few days." He joked, the 'delivery' being the Gundams. Setsuna just nodded before sitting down on a stool.

"How are the jobs?" He nonchalantly asked as he looked over at the two.

"They are going well, it's quite easy compared to what we a used to working with, but it's a nice change of pace." Linda told him with a smile. "Although Ian has been fidgety ever since he head about the delivery, saying things like 'they better not have messed up' and such." He giggled as Ian got a defensive look.

"Their delicate machines, you have to be careful with them." He defended himself. "Not that Setsuna understands that, mister 'I use Trans-am even though it doesn't work'." He muttered the last part under his breath so it was barely hearable.

The side of Setsuna's mouth twitched at Ian's reverence to the time he tried to use trans-am and overloaded the 00 while fighting Graham. Although Setsuna didn't actually register that he found humor in it. Lyle set food in front of the three of them. He had found that since Setsuna never complained and was honest, brutally so sometimes as Lyle had learned, he was a great tester for new dishes. Although he had to make do with feedback that consisted of no more then three words, such as 'it was good' or 'it wasn't good'. Strangely enough Setsuna seemed to be right most of the time when Lyle had others try the same dish. The three ate in silence. Once they finished Ian and Linda stood up.

"Thanks for the meal." Ian said. "And warn Tieria because I think Mileina is planning to stop over tomorrow." He informed them as the two headed for the door.

"Roger." Lyle replied with a smile, feeling a little sorry for Tieria.

Setsuna stood up once they were gone, causing Lyle to look in his direction with a curious look. "A little bland." Setsuna said, keeping to his three-word limit.

"Hmm, maybe something to spice it up then." Lyle though out loud as Setsuna headed to the back door.

Setsuna returned to his room and resumed his training. He first tried to focus his mind in the direction he knew the two would head, but he was unable to find them. He could focus in a since direction to go farther away, but it was more of a strain on his mind. He then proceeded to see all the minds around and in the diner. After a few minute of practice he stood up and prepared his books. It was still a little early but his didn't mind waiting in the classroom so he headed out, nodding goodbye to Lyle and Marie as he went through the diner. Once out on the street he proceeded with a new training he had thought of a few days before. He opened his mind once again but this time while moving. He had quickly learned to keep the mind bubble small. During his first attempt he had tripped, bumped into people, and almost walked into a pole while doing this training. He had since learned that if he kept it to just the people that are right next to him he could focus well enough on both. He continued to do this until he reached the campus. He then headed inside and to the classroom like always.

Since Setsuna had arrived early he figured he has some time. He got a surprise when Feldt sat down next to him, causing him to glance around the room to find it was just them.

"My class got out early so I headed straight here." Feldt explained when she noticed his glance. "Sophie and Ella didn't feel like coming straight here instead of taking their time."

Setsuna just nodded to confirm he heard her.

"So I had an idea that I want to tell you about, but I want to do a little more research before I do, I think you and the others will like it though." She continued like always. She knew that if there were going to be conversation it would have to be her initiating it. "But if we can manage it I would like yours and Ian's help." She finished as she got her books out.

Setsuna wondered at the cryptic request, but he decided not to press the issue. During their conversation more students had started to enter the room and it wasn't long until class started. The two of them focused on the lesson as usual and as it finished Setsuna got up to move to his next class. "See you later." He told Feldt as he walked off, leaving her to be surprised at his verbal farewell.

It wasn't until his Basic mobile suit development class that something new happened. He had taken his usual seat at the back of class and there were a few minutes before it started. Most of the students had arrived. When a guy sat down next to Setsuna, earning him a few weary looks from the rest of the class.

This didn't go unnoticed. "That was a weird reaction." The guy, probably twenty or twenty-one years old, said as he looked around.

"That's because people don't usually come near me." Setsuna explained as if he didn't care.

"Oh, is that was it was? I don't see why other then your hair. Bit weird way to dye it, no offence." The guy told him.

"It's not dyed." Setsuna countered.

"So it's natural? A little early to be going grey, and the wrong end." He joked.

"Not exactly." Setsuna once again countered, not bothering to explain further.

"Well anyway, I'm Sev Elama, twenty-one, mobile suit development major." The boy finally introduced himself.

"Setsuna F. Seiei, twenty-three, custom major." Setsuna replied while taking a good look at the Sev. He had jet-black hair and bright blue eyes.

Sev looked hard at him for a second before speaking again. "Are you from Azadistan?" He asked.

"Former Krugis, I lived elsewhere after the Annexation so I was never a citizen of Azadistan." Setsuna explained, wondering how he would react.

"I see." Sev muttered, not seeming bothered by it. "I'm from Azadistan so that's why I wondered." He told Setsuna. "This is actually my first day here. Because of some paperwork issues I'm starting rather late." He explained, which explained why Setsuna had never seen him before. "Oh, looks like class is starting." Sev realized as he pulled his books out. Surprisingly Sev focused just a much as Setsuna did on the lesson, maybe because he had a lot of catching up to do. Once class was over Sev turned to Setsuna again.

"So what do you have next?" He asked.

"Lunch." Setsuna stated as he stood up.

"Cool me to, can I join you?" Sev followed him out of the room.

"Do whatever you want." Setsuna replied as they headed for the cafeteria. Once they had gotten their food and sat down Sev continued his endless talking.

"So you take really detailed notes, any chance I can look over then ones from what I've missed?" Sev pleaded with a mock desperate look on his face.

Setsuna thought about it for a second. "Shouldn't be a problem." He finally answered.

"Yes! Thanks Setsuna!" He rejoiced, almost sending his food flying.

"I don't keep the files on my handheld though, so come to this address tomorrow since its Saturday." Setsuna instructed as he wrote the address down and handed it to him.

"Your house?" Sev wore a surprised look at the invitation.

"Yes and no." Was all Setsuna said as he pulled out his handheld and started working on some homework like he always did for the lunch hour.

Sev followed suit once he realized that he wasn't going to get any more explanation. The two stayed like that for the remainder on the lunch hour. As it neared its end Setsuna put his handheld away and stood up.

"What's your next class?" Sev asked as he did likewise.

"Physics." Setsuna replied as he headed out.

"Cool, looks like we have the same class again." Sev told him as he caught up.

They didn't talk much once they reached the classroom. During the class Sev asked Setsuna a few basic question to which Setsuna replied while trying to keep it simple. Setsuna himself was starting to wonder why he was being so open with Sev. He had never really tried to interact with other students before. But Sev seem different, maybe it was because he was from Azadistan, but Setsuna couldn't say for sure. Even Setsuna's innovator intuition put him at ease since he sensed nothing but genuine honesty from him. He seemed to simple want to be friends. Setsuna also took a moment to note that his mental reaction to Setsuna's mind was only slightly weaker then Lyle's. Once the class ended they both stood up.

"I have Basic Parts construction next, what about you?" Sev asked once again.

"Geology." Setsuna responded as they walked out.

"Alright then, I guess I'll see you tomorrow then." Sev Joyfully commented as he waved and headed towards his class.

Setsuna watched him walk away before likewise heading towards his own class. Compared to the rest of the day the Class passed peacefully. He then found that Feldt had beaten them to the last class of the day.

"Hey Setsuna." She greeted with a smile as he sat down. "How's your day been?"

"Different." Was his reply.

Feldt just smiled at his answer, not bothering to try to get a more detailed explanation.

"How was yours?" Setsuna suddenly asked, startling Feldt.

She hesitated for a second out of surprise. "It was normal, nothing exciting happened." Just then the teacher walked in. As class started they devotedly took notes. Once it was over Feldt turned to Setsuna.

"So I'm heading to the library to do some research, you heading home?" She asked with a slightly sad expression, which Setsuna sensed was rooted in the whirlwind so he couldn't figure out why.

"Actually I planned to do the same." He replied, causing her mood to lift significantly.

"Great!" She said as she stood up. The left the Classroom building and headed to a nearby building. While it was called the library, just being on campus and having a student ID gave you access to the school information network, which contained all the materials in the library. This meant it was more of a physical copy storage room then an actual library. Although there were a few people, like Feldt, who actually preferred the physical copy. Setsuna didn't practically care either way, but he found that since it wasn't used much it was quite, and that he did like.

"So what are you looking for?" Feldt asked in hushed voice as they walked in.

"One of the professors told me that there were multiple reports publicized recently on the ELS. Reading them might help me understand what I need to know to understand them." Setsuna replied. "There is also some information I need for one of my classes." He finished.

Feldt just nodded. "Alright, I need to look some stuff up for that idea I told you about, plus I have some class research to do as well." She informed him. They then proceeded to find an empty area with a few comfy chairs in the back and set their bags down. Without a word they both moved off to collect what they were looking for. Setsuna decided that if he was here he might as well use the hard copies. Once Setsuna had collected the reports and books he needed he returned to the area they had chosen. He found Feldt already there with a stack of books and was already reading one. Without a word Setsuna sat down and started to read one of the reports.

As he suspected he couldn't understand a large portion of the reports. One of them he was able to get the gist of because it had to do with the capabilities of the ELS mobile suits. He understood it only because of the engineering knowledge he had from working with Celestial Being for so long and having Ian teach him how to work on his own suit. It was to the point where he considered himself to be relatively knowledgeable on mobile suits. He had gained insight into suits that didn't use GN drives when he had used the custom Flag and learned to maintain it. Once he had read through all the reports he moved on to studying for his class. It wasn't required topics to learn but he preferred to go the extra mile, another habit from his time in Celestial Being.

After a few hours Setsuna looked at his handheld to see that it was getting near the time Lyle usually made dinner. Deciding that he should head back he looked up to say something to Feldt, only to realize that she was fast asleep. She had fallen asleep while reading because the book was still in her hands. Setsuna started to study her sleeping face without even realizing it. He noticed that a lock of hair had fallen down in front of her eyes. Which lead him to note that she seemed to be growing it out again like it was two years ago. He suddenly stopped as he noticed his hand reaching up to brush the lock away. He jerked his hand back once he registered what he was doing.

He started to try to understand what he had been doing. He found couldn't understand it so he tried to search inside himself, something he had never done before. It seem to work well and he quickly found the emotion that the action was rooted in, but this only added more to the confusion. Because the emotion was one he didn't know and couldn't figure out. What made it worse was that the closest feeling he knew to it was the whirlwind inside Feldt. All these facts only made him more and more confused, which was something he wasn't use to. Just to be sure he reached out to Feldt's mind and compared the two feelings. As he had suspected they felt very similar, but that didn't help him much at all. Finally he decided that he would need more time to think it over.

Breaking free of the endless loop of confusion he stood up and shock Feldt's shoulder. She jerked awake only to see Setsuna standing in front of her. He noticed her face redden slightly as she realized she had fallen asleep.

"We should go." He told her as grabbed the reports and books and went to put them away. Feldt bolted upright and started to do likewise. Once they had put them all away they retrieved their bags and left the building. Setsuna walked Feldt home like he always did, but the whole time he was deep in though. Even once they arrived and Feldt told him goodbye he only nodded, leaving Feldt to wonder what had happened.

CHAPTER THREE END

Mwahahahaha This is SOOOOO much fun! This final scene was something that once I though it up I was like "I can't wait to write it!"

So something to point out, although it's probably not necessary. But do remember that love is an emotion Setsuna "killed" when he shot his parents, so he hasn't felt it for over like sixteen years. So he wouldn't really have any idea what it is.

But enough out of me, as always please review, tell me what you like, dislike, love, hate, I take it all. I really do like to hear from you, and I will try to not take so long next time.

So until next time

-Arenz